CCC

[ScubaBaby]

Any help or previous experiences would be greatly appriciated.

In my year out between college and university I plan to do a lot of travelling (well as much as I can fit in.)
One way I thought of doing some of this is to take up a Coral Cay Conservation expedition. I know it is hard work etc but i feel the experience wouldnt only benefit the organisation but also add a few dives under my belt (which is always a bonus!)

I have read a few articles about CCC, some which try and make it sound like a holiday (which i know it isnt) and some by people who have been that make it sound like school.
Has anyone had, or know of someone who's had experience with the CCC and share them!

Cheers all.

 

[DivingGal]

Sorry no experience with CCC, but it sounds interestesting can they be found on the web?

I've joined a couple of research projects with EarthWatch they have research teams above and below the water all around the world. The water ones range from being involved with dolphins, manatees, whales, octopus, turtles, and a few fish. In fact, this year I'll be heading down to Barbados to assist in research on the Damselfish.

I would like to join more often, but something called work keeps interfering!

 

[ScubaBaby]

DivingGal

CCC's webpage is http://www.coralcay.org

It explains itself on its webpage but basically it has set up camps worldwide (they use to work in Belize etc) and organise UW research - basically counting fish. In the first week you are learning types of fish of that area. Then you take a test - if you pass, you continue your time there collecting data for researching into fish populations in the area.

Take a look - it sounds similar to what your talking about.

 

[King_Neptune]

ScubaBaby,

What have you found out so far?

=-)

 

[turnerjd]

Scubababy,

I investigated CCC for a while, but I was more than a little shocked at the price. If I remember correctly, for a couple of months with them it costs in the order of about £3000, excluding airfaires etc......

Now, unless you can get one of the two paid positions on the site (diving oficer, and science officer) then it isn't something really for a year out. I got the impression that it was more aimed at people just left university, with first job (and hence more money than they ever thought possible) taking 2-3 weeks holiday whilst 'doing something useful'.

For me, the giveaway was they way they used to price it, minimum stay was 1 week, which cost about the same as an expensive holiday, and they didn't quote prices for longer than one month, they were 'by special arrangement' - it has probably changed now. If I get a chance today I will investigate their website.

I don't know if it has all changed recently, but, 4 or 5 years ago they were heavily criticised by one of the governments they were surveying for, for operating as a holiday camp rather than a proper scientific team. They ended up leaving that project early I think.

To get one of the two paid jobs you have to have the relevant qualifications, and have worked on at least 1 other CCC project.

Very different from other organisations like VSO (OK they don't offer unlimited diving, but the idea is the same) that take volenteers to do specialist work overseas.

Just .02

Jon T

 

[ScubaBaby]

Turnerjd

The CCC run an introduction programme before you start the actual work with them.

On sheets and information backs I have, 3 months costs you £2995 exc. flights.

In the introductory meeting, you are given information on arranging money. As this is a charity whereby you are surveying the surrounding areas and coral reefs for changes in marine life, you are able to obtain sponsorships from companies. The CCC give you details, and support you in raising the finance - after all it is for there benefit.

I would only be going for a 3 month period as I have other plans for the rest of the year.

 

[turnerjd]

£1000 per month - I think that is more than expensive.

The accomodation when you are out there is pretty minimal, and the food basic.

Certainly you can get 2 weeks holiday (full board) in the caribbean for less than £600 excluding flights (less than £1200 per month).

And if you are in some even more god-forsaken part of the planet, costs will be much less than in a touristy resort.

Something still doesn't quite add up for me.

Jon T

 

[ScubaBaby]

But u dont even have to be a qualified diver. The price includes training up to Advanced Open Water in PADI. Not much use for people who are trained higher but its all part of the package i guess.

Also, you are supplied with gear (unless u have your own.) A weeks training where you learn about the marine life of the area etc. Then you even take an exam (paying for exams in not my idea of fun) and if you pass you continue with the expedition.

 

[turnerjd]

Abby,

It might just be me being more cynical now that I have a real job with a real salary, and as I am slowly getting too close to the big 3-0.

Something just has never seemed right, everything has just seemed to be TOO expensive for what you got. Especially as you have to do everything including the cooking, and digging a fresh cess-pit every few days!

I bet if you failed you exams there, or found you couldn't dive for whatever reason, you would be back on the next plane with no refund! (or even if you found that cess-pit digging wasn't your idea of fun!)

Just be carefull, equally, you might go and have the time of your life!

Jon T

 

[ScubaBaby]

Thank you loads for your cynicalism (if there is such as word!!)

I think I'll be askning them a few more questions before handing over cash!